The University of Maine announced Wednesday the appointment of Bob Corkum as interim head coach of the men's hockey team, one day after the firing of longtime coach Tim Whitehead. Corkum, a former captain of the Black Bears and NHL player, had been an assistant under Whitehead for the past four years.

Whitehead expanded on his initial statement, telling Sports Radio 92.9 The Ticket Wednesday morning he was disappointed, but not surprised, in the university's decision to buy out his contract after 12 seasons behind the Black Bears' bench.

"Our staff has poured our hearts into this program and we were really excited about the second half this year," Whitehead said. "We know this team's going to do some great things next year and obviously we wanted to be here to help that team."

Whitehead had one year remaining on his contract. In choosing not to pursue an extension, the university announced it would give Whitehead $195,000 (his annual salary) plus one month’s salary in lieu of notice.